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Unique Voice in the World of Children’s Music
by Tim Battersby
I've known of Bobby Susser and his
work for many years, and finally met him two years ago at a
teacher's convention. We spent some time together, shared some
stories with one another, and have since gotten to know each
other and have become good friends. So, when I heard this new
collection of songs, I offered to write these liner notes.
Bobby’s new album 'Wo' is filled with uplifting, joyful, and
optimistic songs for children. They encourage listeners to sing
along, dance, and/or exercise; they help develop a sense of
rhythm and oral expression, and also promote the significance of
friendship and togetherness through the appreciation and
understanding of songs, and their ability to enrich our lives.
The songs are also lots of fun. In many ways, it's a typical
Bobby Susser collection, in that it’s just a fantastic
collection of happy songs for children. Though subtle, Bobby
draws from his vast experience, and creates interesting flavors
for each of his songs, which hold the children's interest and
spark their imaginations.
His associations with Paul Simon, Trini Lopez, Don Costa, singer
Florence DeVore, arranger Horace Ott, Phil Spector, Ellie
Greenwich, Tony Orlando, Billy Vera, Sharon Redd, Morgana King,
Robert John, and Ben E. King -- along with his early days as a
songwriter in New York's famous Brill Building -- coupled with
the fact that he earned his Master’s Degree at Columbia
University in communication arts, and early childhood education,
set him apart from many of today’s children's songwriters,
producers, and performers. So, it was no surprise when Early
Childhood News stated, "Bobby Susser is unlike other children's
musical artists in that he writes for them, not for himself. He
knows what catches their imaginations, and he brings that
sensitive awareness to his very enjoyable songs."
While most would have headed for the big lights (he was asked by
Edgar Landsbury to write songs for a Broadway show) after
writing and recording his groundbreaking, anti-drug, novelty
song, "Once You Understand” selling 1.4 million records in the
United States and becoming an international hit, Bobby
discovered his love for children's songs and started his first
children's label in 1972. He visited schools and libraries to
share his songs and their themes with young children. He’s
continued to grow in every way in the children's music category
ever since.
I find Bobby Susser to be a modest, unassuming and articulate
man with an extraordinary talent and gift for writing catchy,
melodic and (most importantly) thought-provoking songs for
children. For 40 years he has influenced millions of kids and
parents with his wit, wisdom and wonderful sense of humor.
Beginning the collection with the infectiously catchy song "Any
Time Of Day" followed by the title track, Wo proves, throughout
the entire collection, to be 12 songs of pure Bobby Susser
Edutainment at its very best, for children who "just wanna have
fun."
Tim Battersby, from The Battersby Duo
Two Time Grammy®-nominated Musical Comedy Team for Children |
